Measurement of Radionuclides Concentration and Radiological Health Assessment of Some Selected Table Waters in Ilorin

Abstract

In order to ensure radiation monitoring and protection, an investigation and assessment of radiological risks that may be associated with the consumption of table waters commonly consumed in Ilorin, Nigeria, was carried out. The activity concentration level of 238U, 232Th, and 40K was determined using thallium activated 3˝×3˝ [NaI(TI)] detector connected to ORTEC 456 amplifier. The radiological risks due to the consumption of the samples were then estimated. The highest annual effective dose (AED) values were obtained from VW and the minimum was obtained from UW water. The AED decreases in the order VW>HW>IW>MW>DW>UW. This implies that VW water constitutes more radiation exposure followed by HW, IW, MW, DW, and then UW Water. The values estimated for MW, DW, and UW water were all lower than the world average value of 1 mSv/y and hence pose no serious radiation hazard. While the values estimated for VW, IW, and HW waters were slightly higher than the recommended threshold value, suggesting a possible risk of radiation exposure to customers. The Excess Lifetime Cancer Risks corroborated the findings of the AED, implying that the probability of developing cancer is high for most of the water samples. Since the values of the estimated hazard parameters were mostly higher than the recommended limits for all age groups, it is recommended that public water system should be monitored and efforts should be made to educate and enlighten the public on radiation exposure, its health effects, and remedial actions necessary to reduce radionuclides concentration in drinking water.